System for assembly wax trees using flexible branch

Abstract

A process for creating a lost wax tree, including the steps of assembling a wax tree having a wax pattern and a wax runner, using automated equipment to flex either the wax tree or the wax pattern to bring disconnected sections into proximity, heating at least one of the disconnected sections, contacting the disconnected sections and then moving the sections slightly away from one another. A process for casting a part including the steps of creating a lost wax tree and where the wax tree is later covered with a mold material and the wax tree is removed to create a mold, the mold is then used to cast a part similar to the wax pattern. A lost wax tree having a wax tree with a wax pattern and a wax runner, automated equipment for flexing, a heating element, and automated equipment for manipulating disconnected sections.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates generally to the field of lost wax processing of castings and more specifically, to the field of wax tree assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A casting may be created by the lost wax process, in which a wax pattern is formed by injection molding. One or more wax patterns are then attached to a runner, creating a wax tree assembly. A ceramic or other mold material is then spread over the wax tree assembly to create a shell, which acts as a mold. The shell is then heated to remove the wax. A molten material such as a metal is then poured into the ceramic shell and allowed to harden. The ceramic is then broken away and the castings removed from the runner.[0003]The lost wax process is highly labor intensive even though wax pattern production, ceramic buildup and metal pouring have been successfully automated; the assembly of wax trees must be accomplished largely by hand. This is particularly true where wax tree assemblies are large and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention provides, in a first aspect, a process for creating a lost wax tree, including, assembling a wax tree having at least a wax pattern of a part and a wax runner, using automated equipment to flex either the wax pattern, the wax runner, or both, to bring the disconnected sections of the wax tree into proximity with each other without damaging the wax tree, heating at least one of the disconnected sections, and contacting the disconnected sections after heating and moving the disconnected sections slightly away from one another. In one embodiment, the flexing step includes flexing a wax runner. In another embodiment, the flexing step includes flexing the wax pattern. In another embodiment, the flexing step includes either bending, stretching or both. In one embodiment, the heating step may be performed using automated equipment. In another embodiment, the heating step includes heating at least one of the disconnected sections to soften either the wax pattern, the wax runner or both, to allow flexing to occur at the softened sections. In another embodiment, the heating step includes heating the ends of the disconnected sections and contacting the heated ends together to assemble a wax tree. In another embodiment, the contacting and moving steps are performed using automated equipment.

Problems solved by technology

The lost wax process is highly labor intensive even though wax pattern production, ceramic buildup and metal pouring have been successfully automated; the assembly of wax trees must be accomplished largely by hand.

This is particularly true where wax tree assemblies are large and complex, involving a large number of parts.

Large and complex wax patterns also require skilled and artistic wax tree assemblers.

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